Flu Clinic at Avon High School Gives More Than 250 Vaccinations

The Lorain County General Health District administered more than 250 flu vaccines at its last flu shot clinic of the year Saturday at , said Janine Grottier, the district’s preparedness coordinator.

“We hope to get rid of all our vaccines,” she said.

Sara Warner, the district’s health educator, recommends everyone older than six months receive the vaccine annually, as does the Center for Disease Control.

“It’s the best way to protect you and your family from the flu,” Warner said.

The clinic does not offer needle-less vaccines, which were last month after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said there was not enough data to declare them safe, said health educator Sara Warner.

It did offer live, attenuated influenza vaccines, administered nasally, which were approved by the FDA in 2007. According to the CDC, the LAIV vaccines consist of a live, weakened influenza protein, rather than the dead protein in conventional injections.

Natalie Karn, a public health nurse who administered shots at the high school, said that provides a more accurate replica of the flu for the immune system to fight.

“It increases your body’s ability to fight off the virus in the future,” she said.

Sam Fouts, 9, got the nasal injection.

“It felt like nothing,” said Fouts, a student at . “It was a lot better than getting a shot.”

For those who missed Saturday’s clinic but still want a flu shot, Warner said the district’s website includes an interactive map of all the flu clinics in Lorain County.

And for those who decide to pass on the shot all together, Warner had a simple message.

“Make sure you wash your hands,” she said.